Dr. Kivett is a North Carolina native with a background riding hunter/jumpers and dressage horses. Dr. Kivett attended NC State University for both undergraduate and veterinary studies. During veterinary school, Dr. Kivett's research focused on equine reproduction and embryo transfer.

Following graduation from NC State in 2007, Dr. Kivett completed a rotating internship in equine medicine and surgery at Louisiana State University, followed by a three-year residency in equine internal medicine at Auburn University. As a resident, Dr. Kivett worked under the guidance of highly-trained specialists to hone her skills in neurology, cardiology, neonatology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, musculoskeletal disorders, ultrasound, endoscopy, and more. During that time, she also earned a Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Kivett's Masters thesis involved a prospective scientific study of the effects of phenylbutazone (“Bute”) and firocoxib (“Equioxx) on equine lameness. She obtained board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2013.

Dr. Kivett is an adjunct professor at NC State University and teaches veterinary students in their final year of training. She is currently a board member for the North Carolina Equine Assisted Specialized Transport and serves as the advisory veterinarian for Sandhills Horse Rescue and NC Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team. Dr. Kivett is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association. She lives with her husband, two children, three dogs, and five horses in Southern Pines. During her free time, she enjoys trail riding and spending time at the beach.

Originally from Las Vegas Nevada, Dr. Lindsey Smogor graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2013. She completed an equine internship at Arizona Equine Surgical and Medical Center. Shortly after, she started Jackpot, a mobile equine practice, with a partner in Tucson Arizona. In 2017 they purchased a small animal clinic as the business continued to grow.  Finally, in 2019, Jackpot Veterinary Center’s Equine Clinic was constructed. Currently she is the sole owner of the practice, and it has grown to 6 doctors, two small animal and four large animal veterinarians with both ambulatory and in clinic services.

Dr. Raul Bras grew up in Puerto Rico where he showed and bred Paso Fino horses.  He finished his undergraduate at Louisiana State University with a bachelor's in Animal Science. He graduated from Ross University Veterinary School in 2005 and completed his clinical year at Auburn University. In 2005, Dr. Bras completed a surgery internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, the following year Dr. Bras stayed on as an Associate Veterinarian in the Podiatry Department of Rood & Riddle.  Dr. Bras completed the farrier program at Cornell University in 2007 and in 2010 became a Certified Journeyman Farrier of the American Farriers Association. In 2012, he became a shareholder at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. In addition to providing his expertise in equine podiatry in Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Bras currently travels all over the states and internationally to provide his expertise and knowledge as a worldwide leader in Equine Podiatry. He is devoted for the better of the vet-farrier relationship and an active participant within all associations in the industry such as the AAEP, NEAEP, AAPF, AFA, and many others.  In 2015, Dr. Bras was recognized by his peers for his efforts in the industry and inducted into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame. Dr. Bras is passionate for his profession and the well-being of the horse, but most importantly he is fully dedicated and devoted to his family. 

Travis Burns is an Associate Professor of Practice in the department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. He has served the American Farrier’s Association in the past as President, regional director, chairman of the education committee, and tester. He currently serves as an examiner for the association’s certification program. Since becoming a faculty member at the VMCVM he has given more than 130 presentations to professional and lay groups nationally and internationally. His clinical and research interests include laminar morphology and hoof crack repair materials.

Jaret began a performance horseshoeing practice in Vermont in 2003 after graduating from University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.  Over the years, his farrier practice evolved into a mix of therapeutic farriery and English sport horses around New England and New York.  Through his work, Jaret began to work with well-known equine podiatry veterinarians such as Dr. Ric Redden, and Dr. Sammy Pittman.  After many years as a farrier, he made the decision to return to academia to pursue his veterinary degree with a focus on equine podiatry.  Jaret attended Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine while balancing his farrier business.  Upon graduation, he incorporated his veterinary degree with his therapeutic farrier business to better serve the clients and horses.  He currently travels throughout most of the eastern US on a normal basis with routine stops in New York, Florida, and Kentucky, and splitting much of his time between Vermont and Texas.  When he is unable to work directly with the cases he is available for virtual consultations.  In his free time Jaret enjoys spending time with his dogs and working on his many unfinished automotive projects.

Andrew van Eps BVSc., PhD., MACVSc., DACVIM Andrew graduated from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in Australia, His PhD studies focused on the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on the development of laminitis. Andrew trained as a large animal internal medicine specialist at University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center and returned there in 2017 as the Dean W. Richardson Endowed Chair of Equine Disease Research.  Andrew's research goal is to identify the key mechanisms that lead to different forms of laminitis in order to develop effective strategies for prevention.

Dr. DeNotta is a clinical assistant professor and equine veterinary extension specialist at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, she chairs the AAEP’s Infectious Disease Committee and is co-author of the association's Equine Coronavirus Guidelines and Borrelia burgdorferi Infection and Lyme Disease Guidelines. Dr. DeNotta achieved diplomate status from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2013 and her clinical interests include equine infectious disease and clinical neurology.

Dr. Pelzel-McCluskey is the national equine epidemiologist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services in Fort Collins, Colo., where she oversees the federal response to reportable equine disease outbreaks nationwide. Dr. Pelzel-McCluskey has been an epidemiologist with state and federal animal health agencies since 2004, after several years in private equine practice. She received a M.S. degree in Immunology and Infectious Disease from Washington State University in 2017.

Dr. Slovis is the director of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute’s McGee Center and a member of the Lexington, Ky.-based practice. He implemented the current Infectious Disease and Equine Emergency Response Programs at Hagyard and holds the position of Infectious Disease Officer and Equine Emergency Response Co-Director. Dr. Slovis has authored numerous book chapters and published over 50 manuscripts in peer-reviewed veterinary journals. He is the editor of both the Atlas of Equine Endoscopy and the Atlas of Diseases/Disorders of the Foal.

Dr. Lindroth maintains a strong interest in helping practitioners establish innovative business models for emergency coverage. Having previously participated in the formation of an emergency co-operative and providing service as an equine relief veterinarian, she has presented on the topic of emergency coverage at the AAEP Annual Convention and facilitated many rounds discussions. Dr. Lindroth resides in Bozeman, Mont., as a dedicated equine veterinarian, educator, wife, and mother. A veterinary graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Lindroth has over 25 years of diverse equine practice experience both as a business owner and academic instructor. She currently teaches at Montana State University but will soon relocate and assume a new faculty position at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. McCleery is a solo practitioner in north central Florida. She grew up in the Midwest, competing in 4-H horse shows and junior rodeos. While earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University, she was a two-time NCAA Division I All American in track and field and cross country. After graduating from Kansas State, Dr. McCleery received a master’s degree in genetics and her DVM from Texas A&M University, graduating in 2009 with top honors. Dr. McCleery’s husband is a professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Florida. They live in Archer, Florida along with their son Jack, their dog Blu, and their donkeys, Mr. White and Buck. They enjoy traveling whenever they can, seeing Europe and spending time at Professor McCleery's research sites in southern Africa.

Dr. Nielsen is the Schlaikjer Professor in Equine Infectious Disease at the University of Kentucky's M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center as well as the current president of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Dr. Nielsen received his veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Denmark, and he is board certified in veterinary parasitology with both the European Veterinary Parasitology College and the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. Dr. Nielsen serves as co-editor in chief for the scientific journal Veterinary Parasitology, is co-author of Handbook of Equine Parasite Control and has published more than 120 peer-reviewed publications. 

Dr. Nolen-Walston is an associate professor of large animal internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where in 2014 she received the university’s Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. She joined Penn Vet in 2006 following an internship and residency in large animal internal medicine at Tufts University. A veterinary graduate of the University of Georgia, Dr. Nolen-Walston is a past president of the Veterinary Comparative Respiratory Society. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and her interests include critical care medicine, equine pulmonology, and parasitology education.

Dr. Reinemeyer is founder of East Tennessee Clinical Research, a privately held contract research organization that conducts pharmaceutical development studies for commercial sponsors. He started the company in 1998 following 14 years on faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where he taught veterinary parasitology. A graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Reinemeyer is a board-certified veterinary parasitologist and past president of the American Association Veterinary Parasitologists. He has authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, co-authored Handbook of Equine Parasite Control (2nd ed.) and delivered over 200 papers at scientific meetings and continuing education conferences.

Dr. Benson is Chief Veterinary Officer for the Stronach Group, with responsibilities for veterinary safety, welfare, and integrity practices and protocols, as well as equine research initiatives for TSG’s 1/ST Racing and training brands including Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, San Luis Rey Downs, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Palm Meadows, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and Bowie Training Center. From 2013-2019 she was the Executive Director and COO for the RMTC. Dr. Benson earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and her Juris Doctor (JD) from the William Mitchell College of Law.Dr. Benson is Chief Veterinary Officer for the Stronach Group, with responsibilities for veterinary safety, welfare, and integrity practices and protocols, as well as equine research initiatives for TSG’s 1/ST Racing and training brands including Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, San Luis Rey Downs, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Palm Meadows, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and Bowie Training Center. From 2013-2019 she was the Executive Director and COO for the RMTC. Dr. Benson earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and her Juris Doctor (JD) from the William Mitchell College of Law.

Juliea McCall currently works as a solo practitioner focused upon providing chiropractic care. She is a graduate of the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Pomona, CA, and worked as a primary and emergency care veterinarian in ambulatory practices following a hospital based internship at Peninsula Equine, in Menlo Park, CA. She studied Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Sturtevant, WI, and Acupuncture at the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL.

With a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Oregon, she has studied ethical inquiry and moral reasoning, and as a veterinarian has a keen interest in medical ethics.

Dr. Morresey is a shareholder in Rood & Riddle in central Kentucky, a member by examination of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and holds Diplomate status in both the American College of Theriogenologists and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.  He has spoken nationally and internationally on a wide variety of subjects important to the practice and science of equine veterinary medicine.  In addition to clinical topics (neonatology, neurology, infectious disease and metabolic concerns as they relate to reproductive medicine), he has also delved into the economics of the practice of medicine.  True to his background in education, he is a reviewer and contributor to a number of leading veterinary journals, and author of chapters in veterinary textbooks.

Dr. Wilhite earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1996 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1998, he founded Wilhite Equine Veterinary Services, P.C., which is now doing business as Wilhite and Frees Equine Veterinary Services. His is a member of: AAEP; AVMA; MVMA; KCVMA; and the Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practitioners (MAVP).

In his spare time Dr. Wilhite enjoys spending time with his wife, Dana and their two children. Both of his children are very involved in music and band so Dr. Wilhite is a devoted "Band Dad". His 4-legged family includes several horses, a miniature horse named Stanley, two Corgis, and a Terrier mix. 

Dr. Divers is the Rudolph J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Large Animal Medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. His equine research and clinical interests include liver-tropic viruses in horses, equine parvovirus and equine hepatitis-associated viruses in horses. A veterinary graduate of University of Georgia and board certified in both internal medicine and emergency and critical care, Dr. Divers has published hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific publications, authored numerous book chapters, and co-authored several textbooks. Among his accolades, Dr. Divers delivered the AAEP’s 2015 Milne Lecture on the topic of the equine liver.

Dr. Setlakwe is a board-certified internist with Tryon Equine Hospital in Columbus, N.C. Her practice areas of interest include equine respiratory diseases, neurology, evaluation of poor performance, gastroenterology, neonatology and critical care. Dr. Setlakwe also has a passion for veterinary humanitarian work, including care of working equids in Central America. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Montreal and completed a 3-year internal medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center prior to joining Tryon Equine in 2015.

Dr. Gatz is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota and currently resides in Houston, Texas. Areas of equine practice which she has particular interest are equine welfare, community medicine relating to the equid, and community outreach and education. During her time as staff veterinarian at the Houston SPCA, she helped develop a feeding protocol for the emaciated equine based on current research, along with standard operating procedures for various medical issues of the equid within a shelter setting. She has experience in large scale cruelty cases, along with acting as a court witness. Dr. Gatz is a member of the AAEP, sits on the Equine Abuse and Neglect subcommittee, and is the equine director for a 501c3 non-profit in Houston that provides access to veterinary care to people and animals in need.

Dr. Kleine is a solo equine practitioner in Saugerties, N.Y., and the Peer Review/Ethics Chair for the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. In 2020, she initiated the formation of the NYSVMS Equine Welfare Task Force to bring equine welfare into the forefront of veterinary practice in the state. Dr. Kleine is an active member of the AAEP Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council and participates in the AAEP mentoring service to veterinarians who need guidance when involved in abuse or neglect cases. She received her veterinary degree from Mississippi State University.

Dr. Mason is a solo ambulatory practitioner in Winfield, W. Va., and serves as the AAEP’s representative to the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Committee. She has presented on the topic of prosecuting cases of equine abuse at the AAEP Annual Convention and, while a member of the AAEP’s Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council, was part of a team that in 2018 created comprehensive online resources to help members work with clients and law enforcement to prevent equine abuse and neglect. She is a veterinary graduate of Mississippi State University.

Dr. Aleman is a full professor of the equine internal medicine and neurology services, chief of service of equine internal medicine, and co-director of the Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory at UC Davis where samples from both humans and animals are processed. She is also a founding member of the Equine and Comparative Neurology Research Group and is affiliated with the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory at UC Davis. Author of more than 120 peer-reviewed publications, 100 proceedings and abstracts, and 30 book chapters, Dr. Aleman is regularly consulted in challenging cases involving neurologic and muscle disease.

Dr. Breuer is diagnostic case and outreach coordinator with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, having accepted the dual appointment in 2019. After receiving his veterinary degree from University of Wisconsin in 2012, Dr. Breuer practiced food animal medicine until joining Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as a dairy field specialist in 2015. He subsequently completed a residency training program in food animal internal medicine at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Ketover is founder of Irongate Equine Clinic, a four-doctor, equine-exclusive ambulatory practice, in Madison, Wisc. He is also co-founder of Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response, a non-profit 501c(3) organization that brings large animal technical rescue training to emergency first responders. In addition, he has worked closely with multiple mounted law enforcement agencies to bring emergency rescue principles, including firearm euthanasia strategies for working horses, to the departments. Since 2014, Dr. Ketover has worked with clinicians from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine to offer a five-day Large Animal Rescue and Patient Management course that instructs 20 veterinary students annually.

Dr. Lund is an Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin, Diagnostic Imaging Department. After completing an equine internship, she worked as an equine ambulatory veterinarian, small animal emergency medicine veterinarian, and as an instructor for veterinary technicians. She is a preventive medicine veterinarian in the United States Army Reserves Veterinary Corps. 

Dr. Benson is Chief Veterinary Officer for the Stronach Group, with responsibilities for veterinary safety, welfare, and integrity practices and protocols, as well as equine research initiatives for TSG’s 1/ST Racing and training brands including Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, San Luis Rey Downs, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Palm Meadows, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and Bowie Training Center. From 2013-2019 she was the Executive Director and COO for the RMTC. Dr. Benson earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and her Juris Doctor (JD) from the William Mitchell College of Law.Dr. Benson is Chief Veterinary Officer for the Stronach Group, with responsibilities for veterinary safety, welfare, and integrity practices and protocols, as well as equine research initiatives for TSG’s 1/ST Racing and training brands including Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, San Luis Rey Downs, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Palm Meadows, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and Bowie Training Center. From 2013-2019 she was the Executive Director and COO for the RMTC. Dr. Benson earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and her Juris Doctor (JD) from the William Mitchell College of Law.

Dr. Christakos is a shareholder at Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, Colo., and a member of the AAEP board of directors. Upon receiving her veterinary degree from Colorado State University, Dr. Christakos completed an internship at Littleton Equine where she has remained on staff. Dr. Christakos is a past president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the AAEP’s Scientific Review and Editorial Committee and has volunteered with AAEP student programming.

Juliea McCall currently works as a solo practitioner focused upon providing chiropractic care. She is a graduate of the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Pomona, CA, and worked as a primary and emergency care veterinarian in ambulatory practices following a hospital based internship at Peninsula Equine, in Menlo Park, CA. She studied Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Sturtevant, WI, and Acupuncture at the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL.

With a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Oregon, she has studied ethical inquiry and moral reasoning, and as a veterinarian has a keen interest in medical ethics.

Dr. Wilhite earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1996 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1998, he founded Wilhite Equine Veterinary Services, P.C., which is now doing business as Wilhite and Frees Equine Veterinary Services. His is a member of: AAEP; AVMA; MVMA; KCVMA; and the Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practitioners (MAVP).

In his spare time Dr. Wilhite enjoys spending time with his wife, Dana and their two children. Both of his children are very involved in music and band so Dr. Wilhite is a devoted "Band Dad". His 4-legged family includes several horses, a miniature horse named Stanley, two Corgis, and a Terrier mix.